Sports

16, November 2024

AFCON 2025: 19 countries secure tickets for Morocco ⁰

With only a few matches left in the qualifiers, 19 teams have secured their places at the highly anticipated TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, set to be held in Morocco.

Friday’s results on Matchday 5 saw three more nations — securing their places in Africa’s flagship football competition with Zambia, Mali, Zimbabwe and Comoros sealing their slots.

Nigeria, Tunisia, South Africa, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon — clinched their spots, on Thursday joining a growing list of African football powerhouses ready for the tournament.

The confirmed teams represent a blend of regular AFCON contenders and rising forces in African football.

Host nation Morocco automatically qualified, alongside notable teams like Senegal and Algeria, who secured early qualification through consistent performances.

Egypt and title holders Cote d’Ivoire also bring strong legacies to the competition, with both countries boasting numerous AFCON titles.

Several teams have made a comeback to the continental stage.

DR Congo, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea will look to make an impact, while Uganda and Gabon are back with ambitions to advance deep into the tournament.

For South Africa, qualification marks a return to Africa’s biggest football stage after their impressive at the previous competition held in Cote d’Ivoire.

The qualification phase isn’t over yet. Matchday 5 matches continue into Saturday, with Matchday 6 next week set to confirm the remaining teams, rounding off the 24-nation lineup for Morocco 2025.

Anticipation is building as the final slots are contested, with top African teams and emerging challengers vying to be part of the action.

The 19 countries qualified for TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025

Morocco,Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Algeria, DR Congo, Senegal, Egypt, Angola

Equatorial Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire, Uganda, South Africa, Gabon, Tunisia, Nigeria, Zambia, Mali, Zimbabwe, Comoros

Source: CAF

16, November 2024

Youtuber Jake Paul beats Mike Tyson ⁰

The boos from a crowd wanting more action were growing again when Jake Paul dropped his gloves before the final bell, and bowed toward 58-year-old Mike Tyson.

Paying homage to one of the biggest names in boxing history didn’t do much for the fans that filled the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys on Friday night.

Paul won a unanimous decision over Tyson as the hits didn’t match the hype in a fight between the 27-year-old YouTuber-turned-boxer and the former heavyweight champion in his first sanctioned pro fight in almost 20 years.

All the hate from the pre-fight buildup was gone, replaced by boos from bewildered fans hoping for more action in a fight that drew plenty of questions about its legitimacy long before it happened.

The fight wasn’t close on the judge’s cards, with one giving Paul an 80-72 edge and the other two calling it 79-73.

Tyson came after Paul immediately after the opening bell and landed a couple of quick punches but didn’t try much else the rest of the way.

Even fewer rounds and shorter rounds, along with heavier gloves designed to lessen the power of punches, couldn’t do much to generate action.

Paul was more aggressive after the quick burst from Tyson in the opening seconds, but the punching wasn’t very efficient. There were quite a few wild swings and misses.

Tyson mostly sat back and waited for Paul to come to him, with a few exceptions. It was quite the contrast to the co-main event, another slugfest between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano in which Taylor kept her undisputed super lightweight championship with another disputed decision.

It was the first sanctioned fight since 2005 for Tyson, who fought Roy Jones in a much more entertaining exhibition in 2020. Paul started fighting a little more than four years ago.

The fight was originally scheduled for July 20 but had to be postponed when Tyson was treated for a stomach ulcer after falling ill on a flight.

Source: AP

15, November 2024

Mike Tyson back in the ring to face Youtuber Jake Paul ⁰

Nearly 40 years after making his professional debut, and 19 years after being battered into retirement, a 58-year-old Mike Tyson will climb back into the ring on Friday for a Netflix-backed bout that has drawn widespread condemnation across the boxing world.

Tyson, who terrorised the heavyweight division during an imperious reign in the late 1980s, is lacing up the gloves once more to take on Youtuber Jake Paul, 27, in an officially sanctioned fight at AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys, in Arlington, Texas.

The fight, which will be comprised of eight two-minute rounds, was initially due to take place in July but was postponed in May after Tyson required medical treatment on a flight from Miami to Los Angeles after vomiting blood due to a bleeding ulcer.

That gory mid-air emergency has provided another piece of ammunition for the numerous critics who have condemned Friday’s contest as a macabre circus act that poses an unacceptable level of risk for Tyson, who last graced a professional ring in 2005, when he was beaten via a technical knockout after quitting on his stool against Irish journeyman Kevin McBride.

‘It shouldn’t be happening’

Mike Tyson slumps to the canvas in his last professional fight, a defeat to Ireland's Kevin McBride, in 2005 — Mike Tyson slumps to the canvas in his last professional fight, a defeat to Ireland’s Kevin McBride, in 2005. © Paul J. Richards, AFP

“Twenty years ago, Mike Tyson retired from boxing, and was shot to pieces, right? I mean, completely shot,” the prominent British fight promoter Eddie Hearn said this week.

“If anyone thinks that Mike Tyson should be in a ring at this age, you either have absolutely no emotional feelings toward the man, or you’re an idiot. It shouldn’t be happening.”

Hearn’s rival promoter Frank Warren echoed those sentiments.

“Mike Tyson is 58 years of age and he shouldn’t be fighting,” Warren said after the bout was announced. “It’s as simple as that.

“Anyone with an ounce of brains knows that it is ridiculous. You can be on a motorway stuck in a traffic jam and you get to the end of it and all it is is people who have stopped to look at a crash – and that’s what this is.”

Tyson, who US reports say is being paid around $20 million for Friday’s contest, has brushed off the concerns for his wellbeing, insisting when critics from the boxing world are motivated by jealousy.

“I’m beautiful, that’s all I can say,” he said earlier this year. “The people who said that wish they were up here. No one else can do this.”

At an open workout in Texas this week, Tyson declared that a gruelling training camp had left him with the conviction “that I’m tougher than I believed I was.”

“When I agreed to this fight and started training, I thought ‘What was I thinking of?’ But I’ve finished the process. The fight is the party. All the hard work is done.”

At a final press conference in Texas on Wednesday, a stony-faced Tyson pointedly declined to engage in the pre-fight hype.

“I’m just ready to fight,” he said. “I’m looking forward to fighting.”

Injury fears

Mike Tyson appears at a public workout in Texas on Tuesday ahead of his return to the boxing ring on Friday — Mike Tyson appears at a public workout in Texas ahead of his return to the boxing ring. © Ayisha Collins, Getty Images via AFP

A global audience of several million watching on Netflix, and tens of thousands inside the AT&T Stadium, will be watching on Friday to see whether Tyson’s hard work pays off.

His opponent Paul – who was born six months before Tyson bit off a chunk of Evander Holyfield’s ear in their infamous 1997 rematch – rose to prominence as a Youtuber, before turning his attention to boxing.

Since his first fight against a fellow Youtuber in 2018, Paul’s opponents have included a basketball player, mixed martial arts fighters and other professional boxers. In 11 fights he has won 10 (seven by knockout) and lost one.

“I feel really good, sharp, powerful and explosive. It’s going to be a short night for Mike,” Paul said at Tuesday’s open workout, where he appeared wearing a bizarre head-dress in the form of a rooster.

It goes without saying that a prime, 1980s-era Tyson would almost certainly have dealt with Paul within a few minutes.

Does he retain enough residue of the talent and destructive power that made him the youngest heavyweight champion in history in 1986, at the age of 20 years and four months? Bob Arum, the legendary 92-year-old boxing promoter who has seen it all, is unequivocal.

“The answer is no,” Arum told Secondsout.com last month. “A 58-year-old guy, no matter how good they were, no matter how athletic they were, are not gonna be able to fight.

“You can’t throw punches like you’re supposed to, you can’t do a lot of things. I hope Mike doesn’t get hurt, but I really give him relatively no chance.”

(AFP)

8, November 2024

Football: Kylian Mbappé left out of France squad for Israel and Italy games ⁰

Kylian Mbappé has been left out of the France squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Israel and Italy, with coach Didier Deschamps insisting the absence of the Real Madrid superstar “is for the best”.

It is the second successive France squad from which the national team captain has been absent after he also missed the October double-header against Israel and Belgium.

“I have spoken with him and I have made the decision for this get-together because I think it is for the best,” Deschamps told reporters at a press conference in Paris.

The 25-year-old Mbappé was rested for last month’s matches in order to help him recover from a minor thigh injury suffered playing for Real.

However, that quickly became a source of controversy when he returned to action for Real days later, before France had even played.

Mbappé was absent for France’s 4-1 win over Israel in a game played in Budapest and a 2-1 win in Belgium, and instead travelled to Stockholm for a short break with members of his entourage.

It was following that trip that Swedish media reported he was being investigated for an alleged rape. Mbappé himself said those reports were “fake news” while his lawyer said the player would take action for libel.

A Swedish prosecutor confirmed that an investigation had been opened, without naming Mbappé.

“I am not going to set out my argument, but I can say two things. The first is that Kylian wanted to come,” Deschamps added.

“The second is that it is not to do with the off-field problems because the presumption of innocence exists.”

Since last month’s controversy, the ex-Paris Saint-Germain forward has made four appearances for his club, scoring one goal. However, he remains short of his explosive best form.

“I don’t want to say any more about it. I stand by my decision,” Deschamps added.

France are second in Group A2 of the Nations League, one point behind leaders Italy, ahead of their final two fixtures.

They host Israel at the Stade de France next Thursday, November 14, and then play Italy in Milan three days later.

France are five points clear of Belgium in third place and the top two teams will qualify for the quarter-finals, which will take place over two legs next March.

The semi-finals and final will be played next June.

Veteran midfielder N’Golo Kante, of Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, returns to the squad along with Adrien Rabiot of Marseille.

Meanwhile, there is a first call-up for highly-rated Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, who takes the place of West Ham United’s Alphonse Areola in the squad.

Source: AFP

2, November 2024

Football: Goalkeeper Thomas N’Kono says he never suffered racism in Spain ⁰

Legendary Cameroon and Espanyol goalkeeper Thomas N’Kono has played down the scourge of racism plaguing Spanish football.

According to N’Kono, he never suffered racism during his nine years in Spain playing for Espanyol back in the 80s.

“Maybe I have been very lucky or maybe things were better before, I don’t know, but I have always felt respected, even very loved [in Spain],” N’Kono said.

“I swear I am very grateful to the people. I imagine you also get what you give. But today, when I go through Spain and arrive at a field, people who recognize me greet me with great affection. And in the boxes they treat me with honour, I guess in the end you get what you give.

“I never would have known I deserved this respect so much later. But I am not saying that racism does not exist, I am saying that I have been lucky not to suffer from it, but I cannot speak, I am privileged, I am aware that there are black people in this country who suffer from this problem,” N’Kono added

N’Kono also spoke about Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. who has labelled Spain a racist country after having a series of terrible experiences.

“If Vinicius wasn’t so decisive, they wouldn’t even pay attention to him,” N’Kono said.

“He should be grateful to people, grateful for what you have and give it back because what you give is always what you receive. At least that’s how I’ve experienced it.”

Source: Tribuna.com

28, October 2024

Football: Manchester United have sacked Erik ten Hag ⁰

The Dutchman has come under increased pressure in recent weeks and Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at West Ham proved to be the final straw for co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS.

Ruud van Nistelrooy has been placed in interim charge while United search for a new head coach.

Ten Hag leaves with United down in 14th place in the Premier League, seven points off the Champions League places after just three wins from their first nine games.

A Manchester United statement read: “Erik ten Hag has left his role as Manchester United men’s first-team manager.

“Erik was appointed in April 2022 and led the club to two domestic trophies, winning the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.

“We are grateful to Erik for everything he has done during his time with us and wish him well for the future.

“Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching team, whilst a permanent head coach is recruited.”

Ten Hag leaves United after two and a half years in charge in which he won the 2023 Carabao Cup and the FA Cup last season.

Source: Evening Standard

26, October 2024

FECAFOOT denies any involvement in charity matches against Brazil ⁰

FECAFOOT has issued an official statement to clarify its position regarding two charity matches scheduled for December 2024. These matches, announced on social media, are set to feature former stars of the Indomitable Lions facing off against a selection of Brazilian legends.

The event, which has quickly garnered the interest of football enthusiasts and several prominent figures in Cameroon, has become the center of controversy. In light of the numerous inquiries it has received, the governing body of Cameroonian football has taken a stand to distance itself from the organization of these matches.

In its statement, the Federation clearly emphasizes that it is not involved in any way with the organization of these exhibition matches. This clarification extends to the president of Fecafoot, who is also not personally associated with the event.

This clarification raises questions about the actual organizers of these matches and their legitimacy. It also highlights the need for caution regarding the use of the image of former Cameroonian internationals in sports events.

The firm stance of Fecafoot urges supporters and the media to exercise caution regarding this event, as its organizational details remain unclear. The Federation implicitly reminds that any official event involving the image of Cameroonian football should normally receive its approval.

Source: Footboom

20, October 2024

Conor McGregor lost $500,000 after backing Francis Ngannou to lose by knockout ⁰

Ngannou made his long-awaited return to MMA against Ferreira at PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

The Cameroonian steamrolled his opponent with a brutal first-round stoppage, becoming the inaugural PFL Super Fight heavyweight champion and maintaining his status as the lineal king of the glamour division.

Ngannou had not stepped foot inside the cage since successfully defending the UFC heavyweight strap against Ciryl Gane in January 2022 – and MMA legend McGregor was predicting an upset.

The Irishman was banking on Ferreira’s reputation as a knockout artist as he has lumped $500k on the South American giant.

“Tonight’s bet for me. 500k on Ferriera to win by KO at 12/5. $1.7m return,” he captioned a voice note posted on X.

McGregor went on to brag about his recent run of form in sports betting with an accompanying voice note.

Source: Talksports

20, October 2024

Francis Ngannou KO Renan Ferreira ⁰

Francis Ngannou made a dominant return to MMA as he brutally dismantled Renan Ferreira in his first fight inside the cage for two years. Against a backdrop of personal heartache following the passing of his infant son, Kobe, earlier this year, ‘The Predator’ delivered a devastating performance to reassert his claim as the most dominant heavyweight on the planet.

Ngannou departed the UFC in 2022, while still reigning as the promotion’s heavyweight champion. A dispute over contract terms led him to make an unexpected leap into the world of boxing – where he had a surprising amount of success.

Sharing the ring with Tyson Fury in October 2023, the Cameroonian equipped himself well, even knocking down ‘The Gypsy King’ before dropping a close decision on the judges’ scorecards. His return to the squared circle against Joshua earlier this year, however, did not go to plan – as Ngannou was knocked out cold inside two rounds.

GIVEMESPORT’s Key Statistic: Francis Ngannou hasn’t lost an MMA fight since July 2018, when he was defeated by Derrick Lewis.

Back in the more familiar surroundings of the MMA cage in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, though, Ngannou scooped the PFL Heavyweight Superfight Championship by pounding Ferreira unconscious in the first round. The former UFC Heavyweight Champion set the tone with an early takedown, secured dominant top position and then fought off Ferreira’s attempt at a triangle choke.

He was then free to unleash a furious barrage of strikes on his grounded opponent – and footage taken from cageside proves just how power Ngannou possesses.

Ngannou’s KO of Ferreira was Ruthless

From the camera stationed just inches from the action, every time Ngannou lands on Ferreira it sounds more like he is hitting him with a baseball bat than his fist. Unable to do much to avoid the onslaught, Ferreira was essentially only waiting for the referee to stop the action.

The official eventually acted, but not before Ferreira had taken more punishment than was necessary. By the time Ngannou threw his final punch, the Brazilian was already unconscious.

Ngannou would dedicate his victory to his late son Kobe, who sadly died in April at the age of only fifteen months. “Without Kobe, we wouldn’t be here tonight. I hope they can remember his name.” Ngannou said after his win.

Ferreira, to his credit, is a former PFL heavyweight tournament winner, and has a KO victory over Bellator heavyweight champion Ryan Bader on his resume. But he just couldn’t muster anything against Ngannou.

‘The Predator’ does not currently have his next fight lined up, but few PFL heavyweights will be lining up to face him after his dominant victory on Saturday night.

Culled from GIVEMESPORT

18, October 2024

Ngannou returns to MMA to take on Brazil’s Ferreira: Here are all the fight details ⁰

Cameroonian fighter Francis Ngannou is set to make his long-awaited return to the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) circuit to challenge the Professional Fighters League’s (PFL) heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira of Brazil.

Here’s everything you need to know about the fight night:

When is the Ngannou vs Ferreira fight?

The fight is scheduled for Saturday, October 19.

When is the Ngannou-Ferreira ring walk?

Ngannou and Ferreira will begin their ring walks for the main fight at 11pm (20:00 GMT).

Where is the Ngannou vs Ferreira fight taking place?

The fight will be held at Mayadeen, an events venue in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

What are Ngannou and Ferreira fighting for?

The PFL Super Fights heavyweight championship belt.

Where and how can I follow the Ngannou vs Ferreira fight live?

Al Jazeera will have live text and photo coverage of the fight from 15:00 GMT.

The fight will be streamed and broadcast live on multiple regional platforms that are charging pay-per-view fees.

What will be the duration of the MMA fight?

MMA fights vary in their number of rounds and the duration of each round, with title fights generally being the longest. In this case, the fight will be spread over five rounds of five minutes each. The total duration, if all five rounds are completed, will be 25 minutes.

What’s the MMA fight ring called for Ngannou vs Perreira?

The custom cage for this fight will be called the PFL SmartCage.

PFL MMA — The fight will be held in the PFL’s custom MMA cage in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia [Courtesy of the PFL]

Who is Francis Ngannou?

The 38-year-old fighter began his career in 2013 in France before switching to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) two years later and became the promotion’s heavyweight champion in March 2021. He kept the title until 2023, when he left the promotion.

Ngannou signed with the PFL in May 2023, and the promotion agreed to let him follow his boxing aspirations, which saw him take on Tyson Fury in Riyadh on October 28, 2023, and Anthony Joshua, also in Riyadh, on March 8, 2024.

The Cameroonian’s journey began at the age of 12 when he worked in a sand quarry. In his mid-20s, he embarked on a long and life-threatening journey from Cameroon to France – a trip he once described as “hell”.

Ngannou crossed the Sahara Desert and spent a year in Morocco before entering Spain through the Mediterranean Sea. Upon reaching Spain, he was detained for entering irregularly and spent two months in custody before regaining his freedom and finally making it to France.

In Paris, he was homeless until he found a fitness centre where he could sleep and start training as a fighter.

PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants Press Conference at the The Anthem in Washington D.C., Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. (Cooper Neill / PFL) — Francis Ngannou’s last MMA fight came in 2022 [Courtesy of the PFL]

Who is Renan Ferreira?

The Brazilian mixed martial arts fighter began his career in the United States in 2013 and joined the PFL in 2023.

The 34-year-old won the PFL heavyweight title in a fight against Denis Goltsov, whom he beat in a second-round total knockout.

Ferreira, nicknamed “Problemo” has also recorded a win over Bellator heavyweight champion Ryan Bader in a three-round non-title crossover fight on February 24.

What’s Ngannou’s MMA fight record?

Fights: 20
Wins: 17
Losses: 3
By knockout: 12 wins, 0 losses
By submission: 4 wins, 0 losses
By decision: 1 win, 3 losses
By disqualification: 0 wins, 1 loss

What’s Ferreira’s MMA fight record?

Fights: 19
Wins: 13
Losses: 3
By knockout: 11 wins, 1 loss
By submission: 1 win, 1 loss
By decision: 1 win, 0 losses
By disqualification: 0 wins, 1 loss

What has Ngannou said about the fight?

On Ferreira: “Renan is at the top of the line [of MMA fighters] but my entire life, my biggest opponent has always been me. On Saturday night, I am going to get him, so he should be ready.”
What to expect from the fight: “This is an MMA fight, so everything will be on display. We’ve prepared everything, and everything will be on display. Ferreira is preparing some things because he is a jiu-jitsu black belt, and he is not undermining my punching power.”
Plans for a knockout victory: “I am going to fight strategically and according to how the fight presents itself. In my career, I went for a knockout, but it didn’t work out for me. The times when I did score a knockout, it wasn’t something that I had planned. I know I have 25 minutes, so I am going to lay my game plan down in that 25 minutes and win the fight.”

What has Ferreira said about the fight?

On Ngannou: “Both of us came from humble beginnings. We had an incredible career to reach where we are right now. It is a great honour to be fighting one of the strongest men in the world.”
What to expect: “We are both complete fighters. We can strike and grapple as well. I am ready to fight wherever the fight goes.”